American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsTransAlta Corp (TAC)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$127.79
+0.58%
UTILITIES · Cap: $69.16B
TAC
TransAlta Corp
$12.68
-2.16%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Electric Power Co Inc generates 914% more annual revenue ($22.43B vs $2.21B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs -7.7%. AEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.27. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AEP
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
TAC
Avoid33
out of 100
Grade: F
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 23.7%
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 11.3x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -12.1% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AEP
The strongest argument for AEP centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.3% and operating margin at 23.7%. Revenue growth of 10.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : TAC
TAC has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : AEP
The primary concerns for AEP are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : TAC
The primary concerns for TAC are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 3.17 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP profiles as a mature stock while TAC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
AEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.55 — expect wider price swings.
AEP is growing revenue faster at 10.2% — sustainability is the question.
TAC generates stronger free cash flow (93M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AEP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 33/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 10.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
American Electric Power Co Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
American Electric Power (AEP) is a major investor-owned electric utility in the United States, delivering electricity to more than five million customers in 11 states.
Visit Website →TransAlta Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
TransAlta Corporation owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electric power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
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